John Dobson dismissed any potential rivalry with counterpart Jake White as a “media construct” ahead of the derby between the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town on Friday. DYLAN JACK reports.
Friday’s north-south derby will see two of the more experienced head coaches in South African rugby go head-to-head to come out with early bragging rights in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
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Over the past several weeks, Stormers coach John Dobson has opted for selection consistency, fielding a similar side in both the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, while Bulls chief Jake White placed a premium on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, resting a host of heavy hitters from European duty.
However, speaking ahead of the clash, Dobson denied that there was anything personal from his side going into beating a team coached by White.
“That’s a media construct,” said Dobson. “The first fact about it is that we are a coaching team, including Norman, Dawie and Rito. It’s not ‘Dobbo against Jake’ for one second from our side. Not by any stretch.
“Another thing is that we were probably on a streak of about four or five in a row that we lost, somewhere close to that. So, in reality, it’s probably five or six to three against Jake White.
“It’s not of any consequence in our minds. This is not just John Dobson. We are a really tight coaching unit. I am just a guy who turns up and speaks to you chaps. I don’t see it as me versus Jake for one second.”
DOBBO’S DIARY: Festive derby delight
That’s not to say that there isn’t a burning desire within the Stormers camp to win the derby, which has been brought to a new intensity in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
“It’s brilliant for South African rugby,” said Dobson. “I do also feel it, we all do. This feels like proper stuff. It came up when Jake came in and did such a great job of rebuilding the Bulls and they won two Currie Cups in one year. The rivalry has been developing over social media stuff, us getting a couple of narrow wins last season and in the final.
“It’s also clear what this game means to the Bulls, by the fact that they have rested players for this game. You can’t argue with it, because it’s their plan. It’s also important to us. This game could be played for any cup and it would mean so much. That’s a sign that the rivalry is back.
“I just think it’s great for South African rugby. To be going in a new phase of summer rugby and still have tickets selling as they are, it’s brilliant. We are excited.”
Dobson provided on update on the Stormers’ injuries, with the major concern of Salmaan Moerat. The Springbok second row suffered a knee ligament injury and is confirmed to be out for nine months.
Meanwhile, centre Ruhan Nel and lock Gary Porter could still be out for the next two to three weeks. Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, who was not named in the matchday-23 after making his 50th appearance last week, has a knock to his ribs and will be next week.
Evan Roos will once again be assessed next week to check on his availability to face the Lions.
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Photo: Twitter: @THESTORMERS
